HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 COPS, SLESF 02-16-99AGENDA
NO. 1
2-16-99
·
I n t e r- C o m
DATE:
FEBRUARY 16, 1999
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
WILLIAM HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
POLICE DEPARTMENT
CITIZEN'S OPTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS) PROGRAM
SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUND (SLESF)
SUMMARY:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. That Council hold a public heating regarding the use of COPS (SLESF) funds.
2. That Council consider the Police Department's recommendation for the use of the
funds.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$299, 953.51 in total revenue.
BACKGROUND:
In 1996 AB 3229 sponsored by Bmlten was enacted as part of the State budget package.
The Bill established the Citizen's Option for Public Safety (COPS). The Bill is
administered through Government Code 30061 which specifes how the funds are to be
allocated and particular Administrative procedures.
At that time all.the administrative procedures were followed. A supplemental fund was
established, a public hearing was requested and performed, and Police Department
recommended that the funds be used for a new Gang Enforcement Unit. That
recommendation xcas approved and the initial allocation of funds for fiscal year 1996/97
in the amount of $148, 039.31 was used to fund the Police Department Gang Unit.
In addition to a supplemental fund and a public hearing, allocated funds must be used for
front-line law enforcement services including anti-gang and community crime prevention
programs. Furthermore, the funds must supplement not supplant existing funding.
Since the initial allocation, additional allocations have been received under this program.
For fiscal year 1997/98 $150,189.40 was received and for fiscal year 1998/99
$149,764.11 has been received. This is a total allocation of $299, 953.51 that is in the
Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund. This amount does not include any
interest received.
The Police Department proposes these funds be utlized to continue an on-going
community crime prevention program focusing on anti-gang activities. This would
include the Police Department's Gang Unit that currently consists of one Sergeant and
four Officers. It is also recommended that the City Council hold a public hearing as soon'
as possible to consider the request for funding. As before these requests must be
considered separately and apart from allocations from the City General Fund, i.e. City
budget process. As required the Public Hearing Notice was published February 5,
1999.
STEVE FOSTER
Chief of Police